Favorite things

Last night, the architect and contractor came to measure our house. We had it surveyed before, but they just wanted to be sure. Afterward, Wendy and I were asked to show them some of our most prized objects. I guess they wanted to know our aesthetics, tastes, etc., before making some drafts for us.

First, Wendy. She listed her Ai Yamaguchi painting (pillow style), some purses (Chanel, Mandarina Duck), and her LEGO ring. Nice.

My turn for show and tell basically told the story of my childhood:


1. Jumbo machinders. Some kids bought Star Wars and G.I. toys. My brother and I were more into Japanese toys. All three of my two-foot tall Shoguns (Dragun, Raydeen, Mazinga) are in boxes with weaponry, fists, instructions, etc. I bought these when I was in second and third grade.


2. Fantastic Four mags. From second grade through junior high, I was really into comics. I bought issues all the way back to 19, and kept buying new ones until the first volume stopped at 416. The issues I'm most proud of include 24-25 (vs. Avengers), 28 (vs. X-men, signed by Kirby), 44 (first Inhumans), 48-50 (Silver Surfer vs. Galactus), and 52 (first Black Panther).


3. Old records. I distinctly remember the first time I went record shopping. After Greg and I were promoted from junior high, our parents said they'd let us spend $150 on records. That was like giving us crack! Our first records: The Clash - London Calling, The Three O'Clock - Baroque Hoedown, David Bowie - Let's Dance. The Jam's Snap and Introducing The Style Council were really early, too. Same with Brewing Up with Billy Bragg. My copy of Rocket to Russia was signed by Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Marky at a record store.

I started to bring out other stuff, too. The PW Fred Perry, some figures by Dehara, and the Happy Together book that comes with a snipped of film and unrolled condom. Wendy said I had to stop because everyone wanted to go to sleep. I guess every issue of GR is like show and tell for me anyway...

How the remodeling will reflect toys, comics, and records, I'm not sure. Maybe in the form of storage so Wendy can hang artwork!